Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program held their first Public Art Makers Expo on August 23. The event took place at the airport and brought together artists, designers, and fabricators from Austin and across Texas.
The Expo aimed to foster creative collaboration and increase opportunities for public art. Local artists had the chance to meet industry professionals, learn about materials and fabrication techniques, and explore how public artworks are created. According to organizers, this initiative supports professional development for artists while helping them connect with experts who can help realize their projects.
With Austin undergoing major infrastructure growth—including upgrades to streets, new emergency service stations, parks, cultural centers, and a significant airport expansion—there is a growing demand for public art installations. As part of its Journey With AUS expansion program, the airport alone plans to develop more than 20 new public art pieces. More information about these initiatives can be found at https://austintexas.gov/AUSJourney.
The Expo featured several components: an area where exhibitors showed off materials and tools used in large-scale artwork; presentations from each exhibitor highlighting case studies and successful projects; networking spaces for attendees; and a Q&A zone where participants could ask questions directly to technical experts or staff involved in public art.
Exhibitors included machinists, metal workers, glass specialists, carpenters, lighting designers, engineers, and project managers—all key partners in creating durable public artworks. Participation was free for both attendees and exhibitors. Exhibit space was prioritized for experienced fabricators working in public art.
Organizers described the event as “a vital step in helping artists expand their practice, better understand public art processes, and find the right partners to turn their creative vision into reality.”
More details about the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places program are available at https://www.austintexas.gov/aipp.
